Demand Planning Manager

Kinder's • Walnut Creek, CA

91d • $130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Kinder’s is expanding rapidly, and we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Manager of Demand Planning to lead our channel and category demand activities. The ideal candidate is not only skilled in demand forecasting but also embodies a growth mindset, balancing today’s demands with building systems for tomorrow. This role requires a strong collaborator who can work cross-functionally to align demand plans with our rapid market expansion and product innovation cycles. The Manager of Demand Planning will own category-based forecasting across all geographies, ensuring agility in our short-term operations while aligning long-term business strategy. This position requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and can innovate within ambiguity, embracing our core value of “Fail Forward.” You will be the bridge between Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP), playing a pivotal role in connecting tactical execution with strategic growth initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in demand planning, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on innovation and process improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using demand forecasting tools (e.g., Anaplan, SAP IBP) and analyzing POS data (Nielsen, IRI, or similar).
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading demand planning initiatives that improve forecasting accuracy and drive business growth.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience with S&OP processes, integrating commercial, marketing, and supply chain inputs into robust demand plans.
• Passion for continuous improvement, embodying a growth mindset that values learning agility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a proactive, results-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the food and beverage industry.
• Familiarity with demand planning software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate, data-driven demand forecasts for the Grocery channel using historical shipment and POS data, market trends, and sales input.
• Continuously analyze Point of Sale (POS) data to identify growth drivers and optimize forecasts, ensuring alignment with marketing spend and promotional activities.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain) and key external partners.
• Lead the S&OP process for your channels and categories, ensuring that demand plans align with company goals.
• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales teams to integrate new product launches into demand forecasts.
• Leverage sales data, market trends, and other relevant insights to improve demand forecasting accuracy.
• Develop and monitor KPIs that track the effectiveness of demand planning.
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements.
• Act as a key player in bridging short-term tactical planning with long-term strategic growth.

Benefits

• Hybrid work structure with 4 days in the office and flexible Fridays.
• Competitive salary range of $130,000 - $160,000 per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees